Carries out instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical control, and input/output (I/O) operations.

Required to remove the waste heat produced by the CPU to keep it within operating temperatures.

Main printed circuit board (PCB) found in computers. It holds and allows communication between many of the cruical components and peripherals.

Specialized electronic circuit designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display.

A form of computer data storage, where data is accessed (read or written) in almost the same amount of time irrespective of the physical location of data inside the memory.

Converts AC power to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer.

A disk drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves to read or write data to or from optical disks.

Data storage device used for storing and retreiving digital information using one or more rigid (“hard”) rapidly rotating disks (“platters”) coated with magnetic material.

Contains NO actual disk and NO motor to spin a disk. Uses integrated circuits as memory to store data persistently. NO moving parts, making them more resistant to shock, quieter, and faster than HDDs.

A device that is used to put information into or get information out of the computer. INPUT: Mouse, Keyboard, Microphones, Web Cams, Scanner, Game Controllers. OUTPUT: Monitor, Printer, Projector, Speakers, Headphones.

A printed circuit board (PCB) that can be inserted into an electrical connector, or expansion slots, on a motherboard and add functionality to the computer system. Examples: Sound Card, Wireless Card, Bluetooth Capability, More USB ports, more Ethernet ports.

PCI-Bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect)

The enclosure that contains the components of a computer.